CARLISLE, Pa. — Note: The video is from July 2023.
A piece of automotive history is on its way to Central Pennsylvania.
A 1977 Cadillac Seville that once belonged to the late Betty White, whose iconic television and film career spanned decades before her passing in 2021 at age 99, will make an appearance at the 2024 Carlisle GM Nationals this summer.
White, best known for her television roles on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls," became a pop-culture icon in the late 2000s and was revered for both her humor and her love of animals, once owned the 1977 vehicle, which she nicknamed "The Parakeet."
The car will be part of a Cadillac-focused display in Building Y at the Carlisle GM Nationals, which will be held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds on June 21-22. White's former car will be the centerpiece of a display celebrating Cadillac's luxury, style, and performance.
"These qualities helped make Cadillac America’s premier luxury brand," said Carlisle Events, which is organizing the show. "And that elegance will be highlighted by way of a 'trip through time,' which amplifies the standard of the world that the brand has become."
The story of the Parakeet is a love story, both for the car and the man who gave it to White, Carlisle Events said. Her third husband, Allen Ludden, also regarded as the love of her life, gifted it to her as it was as elegant as he regarded her to be.
The car earned its nickname due to its Sea-Mist Green paint scheme and White’s love for birds. All her vehicles were named after birds.
"The light green exterior is complimented by dark green striping and a cream/white interior," Carlisle Events said. "There’s a touch of Betty in it too, as she had an AT&T car phone installed and there’s also a nameplate on the console that reads 'Betty,' complete with the Cadillac logo."
Parakeet comes to Carlisle by way of the AACA Museum, Inc. in Hershey. The car has been with the museum since 2012, but before that, was personally donated by White in 2002 to raise money for the Los Angeles Humane Society.
“The 1977 Cadillac Seville once owned by Betty White always draws attention wherever it goes,” said Stan Sipko, Curator of the AACA Museum, Inc. “Betty was a pioneer of early television with a career spanning almost seven decades, she was known for her many television appearances acting in sitcoms, sketch comedy, and game shows.
"That is why her car draws so much attention because everyone relates to her shows that they have watched over the years. The museum family is proud to help Carlisle Events celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2024. Over the years we have done a lot together and look forward to being involved with the great people at Carlisle Events for many more years.”
The prominence of this car blends perfectly with other planned display themes, plus the nearly 1,000 show cars on the National Parts Depot Showfield. Celebration themes include the Solid Lifter Showroom, Corvettes for Chip, the 3rd Gen Nationals, Nova’s at Carlisle, and more.
Gates open at 7 a.m. daily for the Carlisle GM Nationals and attending a car show at Carlisle has never been easier! Affordable family fun is readily available, with kids 12 and under admitted free.
For details on vendor or Showfield registration, event specifics, or to purchase discounted spectator admission tickets, call 717-243-7855 or visit CarlisleEvents.com.